I was told that the Elk County Commissioners are doing lots of changes. I have heard that Mr. Hebb has said he was going to "clean out the courthouse". I have heard that Mr. Ritz doesn't care if we have an ambulance service or not.
Wow. If these are these changes that the commissioners are going to do, I'm pretty sure it is not a good thing.
Commissioners need to remember that they are elected officials just as the sheriff, the county clerk, the county treasurer, and the county register of deeds are elected officials.
All county elected officials should be aware that there is a law called, "Official misconduct" K.S.A. 21-3902.
Commissioners are guided by law of their duties by Kansas statute 19-212: Powers of board of commissioners. The board of county commissioners of each county shall have the power, at any meeting:
First. To make such orders concerning the property belonging to the county as they may deem expedient, including the establishing of regulations, by resolution, as to the use of such property and to prescribe penalties for violations thereof.
Second. To examine and settle all accounts of the receipts and expenses of the county, and to examine and settle and allow all accounts chargeable against the county; and when so settled, they may issue county orders therefor, as provided by law.
Third. To purchase sites for and to build and keep in repair county buildings, and cause the same to be insured in the name of the county treasurer for the benefit of the county; and in case there are no county buildings, to provide suitable rooms for county purposes.
Fourth. To purchase an existing building and the site upon which it is located for the purpose of providing additional space for county offices and to remodel and equip the same.
Fifth. Apportion and order the levying of taxes as provided by law.
Sixth. To represent the county and have the care of the county property, and the management of the business and concerns of the county, in all cases where no other provision is made by law.
Seventh. To set off, organize, and change the boundaries of townships in their respective counties, to designate and give names therefor, and to appoint township officers for such new townships which officers shall serve until the next general election; to fix time and place of holding the first election therein.
Eighth. To establish one or more election precincts in any township, as the convenience of the inhabitants thereof may require.
Ninth. To lay out, alter or discontinue any road running through one or more townships in such county, and also to perform such other duties respecting roads as may be provided by law.
Tenth. To enter into contracts with any landowners for the construction and maintenance of underpasses, bridges and drainageways under and across any county road in connection with the locating, opening, laying out, construction or alteration of any county road running across or through such landowner's land, whenever in the judgment of the board of county commissioners such contract is to the best interests of the county. Any such contract entered into by the board of county commissioners shall be binding upon subsequent boards of county commissioners and shall not be terminated without the written consent of said landowner or his heirs or assigns.
Eleventh. To contract for the protection and promotion of the public health and welfare.
Twelfth. To acquire, own and operate a county airport.
Thirteenth. To perform such other duties as are or may be prescribed by law.
History: G.S. 1868, ch. 25, § 16; L. 1911, ch. 141, § 1; R.S. 1923, 19-212; L. 1953, ch. 139, § 1; L. 1963, ch. 151, § 1; L. 1972, ch. 70, § 1; July 1.
Commissioners need to pay attention to their own office and let the other elected officials do their job. The commissioners need to be well-versed on the wage and hour laws and on FLSA which is the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Just saying.
I'm entitled to my opinion!
ROFLMAO
I just posted to see if anyone comments.
This way I get notified by e-mail.
Keep rolling..
Janet, in the FYI department...
First, "I heard.." is often a predictor of rumor rather than knowledge based in fact.
Second, in watching the commissioner's actions, I've seen nothing that might constitute misconduct or a failure to appropriately execute their duties per K.S.A. 19-212.
Third, it sounds as if you might be parroting the feelings of a very narrow segment of the local population who were/are rabid supporters of the actions of the prior board, or certain members thereof, one of whom the voters (in significant numbers) recently decided to replace.
Fourth, remember that it's possible this board (unlike the prior boards) may be operating with advice of legal counsel.
Finally, how about we let the new board drive the bus for a bit before we attack... or let's at least make logical arguments against the decisions they make or the actions they take.
Janet, keep on posting and telling it like you see it and hear it. You have a lot of people that agree with you.
In the course of reviewing the many questions raised over the last 2+ years on this forum, I would suggest a few folks now or previously serving in local government consider your reference to the official misconduct statute. In particular...
K.S.A. 21-3902 Official misconduct. (a) Official misconduct is any of the following acts committed by a public officer or employee in the officer or employee's public capacity or under color of the officer or employee's office or employment:
(3) Using confidential information acquired in the course of and related to the officer's or employee's office or employment for the private benefit or gain of the officer or employee or another or to maliciously cause harm to another. As used in this section, "confidential" means any information that is not subject to mandatory disclosure pursuant to K.S.A. 45-221, and amendments thereto.
(4) Except as authorized by law, knowingly, willfully and with the intent to reduce or eliminate competition among bidders or prospective bidders on any contract or proposed contract: (A) Disclosing confidential information regarding proposals or communications from bidders or prospective bidders on any contract or proposed contract; (B) accepting any bid or proposal on a contract or proposed contract after the deadline for acceptance of such bid or proposal; or (C) altering any bid or proposal submitted by a bidder on a contract or proposed contract.
Translation: Take care, as the blade on that knife cuts both ways.
I don't know of anyone on the Forum that has repeated more hearsay than you and Ross. Ross has made more inaccurate statements than anyone.
Quote from: Janet Harrington on February 16, 2013, 12:41:47 PM
I was told that the Elk County Commissioners are doing lots of changes. I have heard that Mr. Hebb has said he was going to "clean out the courthouse".
On the lighter side...
There are some windows in the building that could use a Windex treatment and ledges above the doors that have dust bunnies. Hebb is tall enough to reach many of them without a step stool.... and probably not afraid to do the work.
;)
Quote from: ELK@KC on February 17, 2013, 10:28:36 AM
I don't know of anyone on the Forum that has repeated more hearsay than you and Ross.
Seems to me that quoting printed matter, citing personal observations, and referencing data that can be verified by any 3rd party who isn't too lazy to do so are something less than hearsay. Neither is the simple presentation of questions for open debate a 'repetition of hearsay'.
What I was told was not heresay. Just saying.
Now, if you all want to sit and watch your EMS department go bye, bye, then just sit there and watch it happen. I live the majority of my time in Montgomery County and I know they have EMS there. I hate to see everything that has been accomplished with Elk County's EMS go by the wayside. A comment by Mr. Doug Ritz saying that he doesn't care if we have a service or not should be raising some flags with the citizens of this county that rely on this service.
However; if you want to see our EMS that has 2 paramedics at this time go back to the dark ages of snatch and grab, then just keep sitting there.
Quote from: Patriot on February 17, 2013, 10:17:36 AM
In the course of reviewing the many questions raised over the last 2+ years on this forum, I would suggest a few folks now or previously serving in local government consider your reference to the official misconduct statute. In particular...
K.S.A. 21-3902 Official misconduct. (a) Official misconduct is any of the following acts committed by a public officer or employee in the officer or employee's public capacity or under color of the officer or employee's office or employment:
(3) Using confidential information acquired in the course of and related to the officer's or employee's office or employment for the private benefit or gain of the officer or employee or another or to maliciously cause harm to another. As used in this section, "confidential" means any information that is not subject to mandatory disclosure pursuant to K.S.A. 45-221, and amendments thereto.
(4) Except as authorized by law, knowingly, willfully and with the intent to reduce or eliminate competition among bidders or prospective bidders on any contract or proposed contract: (A) Disclosing confidential information regarding proposals or communications from bidders or prospective bidders on any contract or proposed contract; (B) accepting any bid or proposal on a contract or proposed contract after the deadline for acceptance of such bid or proposal; or (C) altering any bid or proposal submitted by a bidder on a contract or proposed contract.
Translation: Take care, as the blade on that knife cuts both ways.
Just wondering what the legislators meant by "or to maliciously cause harm to another" in this statute? HMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
Quote from: Janet Harrington on February 17, 2013, 12:41:08 PM
What I was told was not heresay. Just saying.
Now, if you all want to sit and watch your EMS department go bye, bye, then just sit there and watch it happen. I live the majority of my time in Montgomery County and I know they have EMS there. I hate to see everything that has been accomplished with Elk County's EMS go by the wayside. A comment by Mr. Doug Ritz saying that he doesn't care if we have a service or not should be raising some flags with the citizens of this county that rely on this service.
However; if you want to see our EMS that has 2 paramedics at this time go back to the dark ages of snatch and grab, then just keep sitting there.
hearsay [heer-sey]
noun
1. unverified, unofficial information gained or acquired from another and not part of one's direct knowledgeUnless you personally heard Mr. Ritz say he didn't care about having the EMS in Elk County... it's hearsay. While I don't doubt you were told this, your hearsay was probably based on manufactured information or information taken totally out of context.
In the interest of factual representation, I personally contacted Mr. Ritz today & asked his position regarding the Elk County EMS. His response was,
"The EMS is an expensive operation that requires careful management." I then asked if he wanted to see our EMS 'go away', and his response was,
"No."The rest of your rant sounds like you are engaging in the "they're going take away your social security" fear mongering that is so much a part of the liberal playbook. I had a higher impression of you.
Quote from: Janet Harrington on February 17, 2013, 12:42:58 PM
Just wondering what the legislators meant by "or to maliciously cause harm to another" in this statute? HMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
Perhaps it means your imagination is working overtime.
Also that you would have to prove it.
Quote from: ROSS on February 17, 2013, 02:14:52 PM
Perhaps it means your imagination is working overtime.
Also that you would have to prove it.
Pot meet Kettle :laugh:
Quote from: debid on February 17, 2013, 02:22:13 PM
Pot meet Kettle :laugh:
LOL
I have shown a lack of ethics numerous times that happened during the previous two years.
Just what is Janet showing?
Nothing! Because there is nothing to show, so thank you for the chuckle.
The present County Commissioners with the exception of one have only worked to improve the Quality of Life in Elk County.
So rest comfortably and have a very good evening.
Rest comfortably and have a good evening hoping that if you need EMS that one of our 2 paramedics is on board. We will be down to one very shortly because of a commissioner talking. Keep hiding your head, Ross. What I have said is not speculation nor is it my imagination. It is fact. Talk to your EMS crew if you don't believe me. You see, I don't have to attend commissioners meetings to find out what is going on. I talk to actual working class people.
Quote from: Janet Harrington on February 17, 2013, 05:45:05 PM
Rest comfortably and have a good evening hoping that if you need EMS that one of our 2 paramedics is on board. We will be down to one very shortly because of a commissioner talking. Keep hiding your head, Ross. What I have said is not speculation nor is it my imagination. It is fact. Talk to your EMS crew if you don't believe me. You see, I don't have to attend commissioners meetings to find out what is going on. I talk to actual working class people.
Based on what you're presenting, it looks like the damage to the EMS is the result of turmoil and a lack of dedication to duty & loyalty within the EMS more than anything else. As to your 'inside track'... rumors & miscommunication abound, and there's no substitute for
firsthand knowledge from the top of the deck. Especially since there's a very well paid member of management assigned to the EMS. Is he having trouble managing? Just asking, as you say.
Quote from: Janet Harrington on February 17, 2013, 05:45:05 PM
Rest comfortably and have a good evening hoping that if you need EMS that one of our 2 paramedics is on board. We will be down to one very shortly because of a commissioner talking. Keep hiding your head, Ross. What I have said is not speculation nor is it my imagination. It is fact. Talk to your EMS crew if you don't believe me. You see, I don't have to attend commissioners meetings to find out what is going on. I talk to actual working class people.
Well. look at that you finally got around to saying what is on you mind.
What you said before left out any information as to what you were getting at.
Therefore imaginary.
So, where do you speculate the problem lies, that you are talking about?
I'm sure it is not with Elk Konnected, so what is the cause of the problem or what is being said?
I know they complained about the way they were being paid and went to the County Commissioners and requested change.
Things were agreed upon and they got there change. Then at the last meeting one of them spoke up and said they did not like the agreement they had with the County commissioners. What do you do? Change the agreement at every County Commissioners meeting?
Or are you talking about something else?
I'm not hiding my head, but I believe you could learn nuch more if you were to attend the meetings. You could have heard what the medical department said there. I really don't recall a request to change anything, just that they were unhapppy with what they agreed to.
I sympathize with the workers because, I worked for a few different employers over the last 50 years, and I did not always feel the workers were always treated fairly. Even when a union was involved! But I never quit a job because of it.
You know what, I worked with a man that claimed he was the biggest suck up to management and he claimed they would not be able to operate with out him. Guess what, he learned the truth, they operated without him and his replacement was not a suck up. I learned early in life that anyome can be replaced. And that is why I always gave 100% to any job I ever held.
If these people plan to leave, I sure hope they have another job to go to, before they go. Jobs are hard to come by these days. I just wouldn't want to see any people or familys get hurt.
No, I don't know all the details. But perhaps you might enlighten me and everyone else reading this thread!
Quote from: Patriot on February 17, 2013, 01:49:05 PM
The rest of your rant sounds like you are engaging in the "they're going take away your social security" fear mongering that is so much a part of the liberal playbook. I had a higher impression of you.
How could you have any impression of me? You have never met me.
Quote from: ROSS on February 17, 2013, 10:34:54 PM
I'm sure it is not with Elk Konnected, so what is the cause of the problem or what is being said?
I'm not hiding my head, but I believe you could learn nuch more if you were to attend the meetings. You could have heard what the medical department said there. I really don't recall a request to change anything, just that they were unhapppy with what they agreed to.
First of all, where did I say anything about Elk Konnected on this post? This is not about Elk Konnected. You own that thread.
Second of all, I can't attend the meetings. I have to work out of town. I am so happy that you don't have to do that and that you have time to go to the county commissioners. I would if I could. I can't. Now, if they want to start having those meetings in the evening, so that the majority of their VOTERS and TAXPAYERS could go, then I would attend. But, oh no. Let's not do that. We might not have a big enough room for everyone that would be there.
Quote from: Janet Harrington on February 18, 2013, 04:54:04 PM
Now, if they want to start having those meetings in the evening, so that the majority of their VOTERS and TAXPAYERS could go, then I would attend. But, oh no. Let's not do that. We might not have a big enough room for everyone that would be there.
I'm with you on that one. Or, as was argued at one point, we might have to pay 2 hrs a month overtime to department managers to attend to give reports. Then again, after 5 or 6 PM, the courtroom would surely be available. After almost a year we convinced the board to have one meeting a quarter later in the day, but it's still not enough, IMO.
Patriot, when they do have that one meeting in the evening every quarter, would you let me know? I will do my best to be there. And yes, generally after 5:00 p.m., the courtroom is available. Only if there is a trial going on that the judge doesn't want to stop would the courtroom not be accessible.
Ross,
Jobs for paramedics and EMTs are not hard to find. EMS all over the state of Kansas and other states have openings all the time. EMS is like nursing, those people get burned out, so they quit doing that job and move on to something else.
Quote from: Janet Harrington on February 18, 2013, 06:57:13 PM
Patriot, when they do have that one meeting in the evening every quarter, would you let me know? I will do my best to be there. And yes, generally after 5:00 p.m., the courtroom is available. Only if there is a trial going on that the judge doesn't want to stop would the courtroom not be accessible.
First meeting of the quarter (April 8th, July 8th and October 15th) they will meet at 4p.m. Department reports are first, so most items come up later. Public forum is at the end of the agenda. Perhaps not ideal, but a move in the right direction.
Hey, how about all that high tech equipment in the court house?
Couldn't it be utilized to record and make the meeting available on the County web site?
Perhaps the same thing could be accomplished at the West Elk School Board meetings?
The School Board has used some of the equipment at their meetings,
All that very expensive equipment and expensive internet service and web sites could be put to good use here in the 21st Century to connect with everyone in Elk County couldn't it?
Just an idea!
Wouldn't that just be too sweet!!!!
Quote from: ROSS on February 18, 2013, 07:12:52 PM
Hey, how about all that high tech equipment in the court house?
Couldn't it be utilized to record and make the meeting available on the County web site?
Perhaps the same thing could be accomplished at the West Elk School Board meetings?
The School Board has used some of the equipment at their meetings,
All that very expensive equipment and expensive internet service and web sites could be put to good use here in the 21st Century to connect with everyone in Elk County couldn't it?
Just an idea!
what equipment are you talking about? Expensive??? Really.. Compared to what two Dixie cups and a piece of string.
How much overtime does comp time cost? If you have the meetings at night require the dept heads to attend then let then go home early on Thursday. Turn the county cell phone to vibrate.
Quote from: Vitriol on February 21, 2013, 07:59:35 PM
If you have the meetings at night require the dept heads to attend then let then go home early on Thursday.
Or, do the reasonable thing and have the department head issues at the beginning of a meeting that starts later during normal operating hours. Then, employees can go home or stay at the meetings as citizens on their own time. Unlike the present process where employees with nothing to say sit unproductive in a daytime meeting for 3 or 4 hours on the taxpayer dime.
Or, get department issues handled at the earlier meeting then adjourn an until after hours for the remainder of the agenda. A tad more awkward for the commissioners, but life isn't always fair.